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Hungarian Ambassador calls on Speaker Meira Kumar
US Ambassador calls on Meira Kumar
NEW DELHI, Dec 16: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar inaugurated an Orientation Programme for new Members of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday in Parliament Library Building.
NEW DELHI, Dec 15: A 10 member Parliamentary Delegation from Oman led by Dr. Yahya Bin Mahfoodh Bin Salem Al Manthri, Chairman of State Council in the Sultanate of Oman, Called on the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs Meira Kumar, in the parliament Library Building on Tuesday. |
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Namibian delegation calls on Lok Sabha Speaker
NEW DELHI, Dec 15: A six-member delegation from the Parliament of Namibia led by Hafeni Ndemule M.P., Chairperson of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the Namibian Parliament, called on Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in Parliament House on Tuesday.
Lok Sabha Secretary-General P.D.T. Achary was also present on the occasion.
The two sides discussed issues of mutual conern.
Lok Sabha Speaker releases book 'Practice and Procedure of Parliament'
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Dec 14: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar released the sixth revised Edition of the book "Practice and Procedure of Parliament" by M.N. Kaul and S.L. Shakdher, brought out by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, in the Parliament House Annexe on Monday. P.D.T. Achary, Secretary General, Lok Sabha, is the Editor of the present edition of the book.
Among the dignitaries who attended the function were several Union Ministers, Members of Parliament and former Members of Parliament.
Releasing the Book, Mrs Meira Kumar said that it is the most comprehensive and authentic volume covering practically all areas of our Parliament’s functioning.
Lauding the hardwork and efforts put in by many officers and staff under the guidance of the learned Secretary-General P.D.T. Achary, she hoped that like all its earlier versions, the present edition would receive wide acclaim and will be read by parliamentarians and legislators, political scientists, research scholars, academics, media personnel and all others who have deep interest in our parliamentary polity.
Earlier the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha, P.D.T. Achary and the editor of the present edition briefed the august gathering about the main contents of the publication.
The Practice and Procedure of Parliament, authored by two distinguished Secretaries-General of Lok Sabha late M.N. Kaul and S.L. Shakdher has been one of the most authoritative, exhaustive and informative Publications on the subject.
First published in 1968, this oft-quoted treatise have been revised in 1972, 1978, 1991 and 2001, mainly to make the publication apposite to time in the background of amendments to the Constitution and existing laws, changes in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, new precedents and conventions, which have evolved over a period.
Since its 4th Edition in 1991, the book is an official publication of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Several measures, pertaining to the working of the Lok Sabha through procedural innovations and to uphold the dignity of the House have been taken since the book was last revised in 2001.
Several initiatives for reaching out to masses were also taken, including launching of an independent 24 hour Lok Sabha Television Channel-the first of its kind for a Parliament to own one, and setting up of a Hi-tech interactive Parliament Museum.
To further strengthen the Committee system, seven more Departmentally Related Standing Committees were constituted. The Chapter on Committees also covers information on Parliamentary Forums. Not only these, many new conventions and practices evolved in between, thus necessitating further revision of the publication.
The comprehensively updated sixth revised edition has made this publication most exhaustive, authentic and authoritative work.
The publication, which has come to be to be regarded as an authority on the practices and procedures of our Parliament, is indeed an indispensable reference work for parliamentarians, legislators, parliamentary officials, political scientists, research scholars and all those, who are interested in the institution of Parliament and its work, procedures and practices, processes and challenges.
The Book is priced at Rs. 3,000 per copy. The Hindi version of the Book which is under revision, will be brought out soon.
Nation pays homage to Parliament Martyrs
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Dec 13: At a solemn function held in Parliament House on Sunday, Vice President and Chairman Rajya Sabha Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, led the nation in paying tributes to the Martyrs who laid down their lives while defending the Parliament from the terrorist attack on December 13, 2001.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani, also paid floral tributes. Among others who paid tributes were several Union Ministers, and sitting and former members of Parliament.
The Secretary-General of Lok Sabha P.D.T. Achary also paid floral tributes. Officers and Staff of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats and senior officials of security agencies also paid tributes.
A blood donation camp was organized at Parliament House on the occasion, in which a large number of officers and staff from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, officers in the office of Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, and allied agencies donated blood.
It may be recalled that it was on this day in the year 2001, the Martyrs Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi, Security Assistants of Rajya Sabha Secretariat; Kamlesh Kumar, Constable, CRPF; Nanak Chand, Rampal, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Delhi Police; Om Prakash, Bijender Singh, Ghanshyam, Head constables, Delhi Police; and Deshraj, Gardener, CPWD, sacrificed their lives while safeguarding the Parliament.
A cameraman of ANI TV, Vikram Singh Bisht, severely wounded in the attack, had later succumbed to the injuries.
In recognition of their selfless sacrifices, Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi and Kamlesh Kumari were posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra. Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam were posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.
Yunus shares vision for poverty-free South Asia
By Deepak Arora
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| Prof Muhammad Yunus delivering the Lecture in Central Hall of Parliament House on 9 December 2009. |
NEW DELHI, Dec 9: Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus unveiled his vision for "an integrated, poverty-free South Asia by 2030" before India's Parliamentarians and emphasised that it could be translated into reality with the aid of effective social businesses powered by micro-credit.
Delivering the second Prof Hiren Mukherjee Memorial Parliamentary Lecture on "Social Business: A step towards creating a new economic and social order", Muhammad Yunus said "let's dream that by 2030 we'll create a well-functioning South Asian Union. There will be no visa required; there will be a common flag, alongside our national flags."
He added: "We'll make South Asia the first poverty-free region of the world, and we'll create a robust financial system to provide easy access to financial services to every single person in South Asia."
Receiving a repeated applause during his 45 minutes speech, the Nobel Laureate said "a social business is a business where an investor aims to help others without taking any financial gain himself. The social business is a non-loss, Non-dividend Company, dedicated entirely to achieving a social goal."
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| Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Meira Kumar presenting a memento to Prof. Muhammad Yunus in Parliament House on 9 December 2009. |
Yunus is known for founding the Grameen Bank that provides credit to the poorest in Bangladesh, and the repayment rate on loans is often as high as 98 per cent and now gives loans to even "over 100,000 beggars" in Bangladesh.
He also made a strong case for credit access a "human right" and added that the global economic crisis offers a big opportunity to rebuild and recast the financial institutions.
"When a crisis is at its deepest, it can offer a huge opportunity. When things fall apart, that creates the opportunity to redesign, recast and rebuild," said Yunus. He said the opportunity thrown by the international financial crisis "should not be missed".
He said the financial institutions should become inclusive. "Nobody should be refused access to financial services because services are so vital for self-realization of people. I strongly feel that credit should be given the status of human right."
While big conventional banks, he said, with all their collaterals were collapsing, micro-credit programmes which do not depend on the collateral continued to be "as strong as ever".
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| Vice-President of India Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari presenting a memento to Prof. Muhammad Yunus in Parliament House on 9 December 2009. |
Yunus wondered whether this experience would make the mainstream financial institutions change their mindset. "Will they finally open their doors to the poor?" he asked.
At the lecture, also attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Yunus said his Grameen Bank (in Bangladesh) has demonstrated that lending money to the poorest in a sustainable way is possible.
Noting that poverty is created by deficiencies in the institutions, he described how Grameen Bank has given loans to over one lakh beggars, out of which 18,000 have quit begging. "The remaining begs only part-time," he quipped.
The idea of small, collateral-free loans, he added, has been picked by the developed countires like the US. "We run a programme named Grameen America in New York...Even in the richest country, there is a need for a dedicated bank to serving the poor."
Welcoming Yunus, Dr Manmohan Singh described him as a great visionary and said India has much to learn from Nobel laureate who applied his knowledge to reduce poverty of millions of people.
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| Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presenting a shawl to Prof Muhammad Yunus in Parliament House on 9 December 2009. |
Dr Singh said that Yunus's accomplishments demonstrated the "great power of ideas". "His work demonstrates the great power of ideas... His declaration that ‘Credit is a human right' is a powerful expression of what he believes in. He has brought about a paradigm shift in reaching out to the dispossessed and the disinherited," said the PM while welcoming him.
Welcoming Prof Yunus, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said "Prof Yunus has successfully used micro-credit as a potent weapon to fight poverty in Bangladesh which has now been accepted by many other countries as a model to eradicate the scourge of poverty."
She said "micro-credit given by the Grameen Bank has empowered millions of poor people of Bangladesh, and interestingly an overwhelming of them are women."
Congratulating Prof Yunus for making women the focus of his vigorous campaign against poverty, Meira Kumar said "an economically independent woman is better equipped to take proper care of her children who hold the key to the progress and prosperity of a country."
Parliamentarians pay floral tributes to Rajendra Prasad
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar led the nation in paying floral tributes at the portrait of Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Central Hall of Parliament House on his Birth Anniversary today.
Other dignitaries who paid tributes to Dr. Rajendra Prasad included former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda; Leader of the House (Lok Sabha) Pranab Mukherjee; Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) L.K. Advani; several Union Ministers; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha K. Rahman Khan; Members of Parliament; and former Members of Parliament.
The Secretaries-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha P.D.T. Achary and Dr. V.K. Agnihotri respectively also paid floral tributes.
A booklet containing the profile of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, brought out in Hindi and English by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, was presented to the dignitaries who attended the function.
The portrait of Dr. Rajendra Prasad was unveiled by the then President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on May 5, 1964.
Lithuania FM calls on Advani
NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Lithuania Foreign Minister Vygaudas Usackas called on Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, L.K. Advani, in Parliament House on Thursday.
The two leaders had a cordial discussions and discussed issues of regional and international importance.
India-Azerbaijan relations emphasised
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Dec 2: The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Vagif Sadigov, called on Lok Sabha Secretary-General Mr P.D.T. Achary here on Wednesday.The two discussed matters of mutual interest.
The need for improving bilateral relations at all levels, including at the parliamentary level, was stressed during the discussion.
The Lok Sabha Secretary-General emphasized the increasing importance of parliamentary diplomacy and endorsed the sentiments of the Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan to further strengthen the relationship at the parliamentary level.
Lok Sabha question hour cut short due MPs' absence
NEW DELHI, Nov 30: The question hour in the Lok Sabha was cut short Monday as MPs who had given notice to ask questions were not present in the house.
Speaker Meira Kumar invited members to ask questions but the house could take up only two questions related to defence and rural development due to the absence of the members who were to ask questions.
She continued with the procedure of the question hour amid protests by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) members for sending a central team to asses the law and order situation in West Bengal.
Raising slogans against the central government for sending the team, CPI-M and SP members marched up to the speaker's podium. The BSP also supported the demand.
After completing the procedure of the question hour, the speaker adjourned the house at 11.30 a.m. for half an hour.
Meira asks media to highlight legislative, developmental news
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Nov 28: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has asked the media to give more importance to legislative business and developmental matters that would be beneficial for the society.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the UNI TV here, Mrs Meira Kumar said it has been observed that media tend to give front-page coverage to sensational news - noisy scenes, pandemonium, walkouts, etc. in the Houses of Parliament.
“In the process, many important issues like legislative business and developmental matters tend to get sidelined. If the media writes forcefully and objectively and gives importance to the substantive issues and significant matters raised during debates and deliberations in the Legislatures, I believe that it can be highly beneficial for the society,” she added.
The Speaker said ‘it goes without saying that a free, responsible and vigilant media is the cornerstone of democracy. Rightly described as the Fourth Estate, the media have come to acquire a unique status as the sustainer of society in today’s information-driven world. More than ever before, the success and growth of a democratic polity now rests on an effective and enlightened public opinion, created and influenced through the columns of newspapers and also through the electronic media.”
Mr A.K. Bhandari, Chief Editor and General Manager, UNI, editors of national dailies, CEOs of electronic channels and eminent journalists were among those present at the inaugural ceremony.
She said “the media has played an important role particularly during our struggle for Independence. The Press has always been a relentless crusader for the rights and liberties of the people. It was a powerful catalyst of mass mobilization and a helpful instrument in the hands of nationalist leaders.”
She said it was our good fortune that we have a free and fearless media with a profound commitment to work towards the socio-economic uplift of our society. “We also have in place the Press Council of India guiding the print media along the path of ethical conduct and, at the same time, protecting it from any infringement of its freedom.”
In broadcasting, she said “we have seen profound changes in our country since the 1980s with the advancement of communications technologies. A large number of electronic channels have come into existence in recent times offering a wide variety of options for the viewers as also providing varied perspectives on issues before the nation. These changes have substantially altered our understanding of issues and further empowered the media in our country.”
The Speaker said the media has one great power attached to it…. the power to impact. “But that is where its responsibility lies. The responsibility to present facts with objectivity and courage .It may render many useful services in the society in diverse areas, including education, information and development. Their contribution in the crusade against various societal ills like poverty, illiteracy, corruption, etc. is highly praiseworthy. If today our democracy is functioning vibrantly, as the world’s largest democracy, it would not have been possible without a free, fair and responsible media.”
She also referred to the role of the media in the parliamentary polity. “The Lok Sabha Television, the first of its kind, wholly owned and operated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, is one of our most recent ventures. It is intended as a technological extension of the Visitor’s Gallery of the Lok Sabha and gives extensive coverage to the proceedings of the House and arranges discussions and analyses on important issues.”
Mrs Kumar said the United News of India, with a modest beginning in 1961, with a journey of 48 years popularly known as UNI News agency is catering to more than a thousand subscribers, among whom our own Lok Sabha Secretariat is one.
“Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that these subscribers are spread over to more than one hundred locations in India and abroad. Its vast clientele includes newspapers, radio and television networks, web sites, government offices and private and public sector corporations. The UNI is also credited with being the first news agency in the country to launch a Financial, Stock Exchange and a National Photo service.”
She said that she was happy to note that the UNI had not let its past achievements come in the way of bringing new and innovative approaches and was continuously expanding and extending its networks.
“The UNI is diversifying into the electronic media sector today, while continuing to uphold the highest ideals of journalism in this venture. The result of that passion and the latest feather to its cap is the UNI TV, which I am given to understand, will be a Video and Audio Clips Service.”
The Speaker said this new venture was intended to spread greater awareness about the outstanding work being done in the public and private domains in all parts of the country.
“In this era of advanced technology, especially in the realm of broadcasting, information and communications, the UNI TV will certainly go a long way in fulfilling its social role and be a great facilitator for those working in the development field,” she said.
Arunachal Speaker calls on Meira Kumar
NEW DELHI, Nov 27: The Speaker of the Arunachal Legislative Assembly, Mr Wanglin Lowandong, called on Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs Meira Kumar, in Parliament House on Friday.
The two discussed issues of mutual interest.
Speaker inaugurates blood donation camp on first anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks
NEW DELHI, Nov 26: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar inaugurated a Blood Donation Camp in Parliament House Annexe on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Several Members of Parliament, staff members and security personnel donated blood at the Camp.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Kumar said that the scourge of terrorism should be tackled with determination and terrorist forces should never be allowed to spill the blood of innocent people.
Lok Sabha Speaker also expressed her heartfelt sympathies with all those who have lost their near and dear ones in the terrorist attacks.
Resolution in LS on terror fight
NEW DELHI, Nov 26: To mark the first anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, both Houses of Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution reiterating the nation’s firm commitment to fight the threat of terrorism and emerge victorious against it.
Remembering martyrs and those who were killed during the terror attacks, both the Houses observed a minute’s silence in their memory. The parliamentarians also saluted the bravery of the security personnel who fought and sacrificed their lives during the attacks.
The Lok Sabha adopted a resolution to defeat forces of terrorism.
Here is the text of the resolution moved by the speaker:
MADAM SPEAKER: Hon’ble Members, today is the 1st anniversary of the terrorist attack in Mumbai which resulted in huge loss of innocent lives of Indian citizens as well as of foreign nationals.
Terrorism is the gravest threat to humanity and a total negation of values which man holds dear. Mindless violence unleashed by the terrorists has devastated countless number of families.
Terrorism has no justification whatsoever in a civilized world and it is the duty of every country which wants to see peace and progress to resist and defeat these dark forces of terrorism. This House shares the sorrow and grief of all those families who have lost their near and dear ones in the terrorist attacks.
Realising the global network of terrorists and their unlimited resources, sophisticated arms and training and also their diabolic mindset there is an urgent need to mobilize the resources and coordinate actions by all countries to track down and eliminate these enemies of mankind.
This House is of the firm view that with strong will and determined action we will be able to effectively counter terrorism. The House salutes the indomitable courage of the security forces who gave a crushing blow to the terrorists on 26th November, 2008 and the fortitude of the people of Mumbai and urges upon the Government to take all steps necessary to wipe out the scourge of terrorism from our country.
On this day the House resolves that we will unitedly fight and defeat the forces of terrorism and never again allow them to spill the blood of innocent people.
Meira Kumar releases book on Mahatma
NEW DELHI, Nov 26: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar released a book titled "Mahatma Gandhi's Works and Interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita" at a simple funtion at Parliament House on Thursday.
The book is authored by Dr Y.P. Anand.
Meira inaugurates orientation programme for Mizoram MLAs
NEW DELHI, Nov 25: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar inaugurated an Orientation Programme for new Members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly.
The programme was organised by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training, in Parliament Library Building.
The present on the occasion were the Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly R.Romawia and Lok Sabha Secretary-General P.D.T. Achary.
India seeks UNSC reforms
By Deepak Arora
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 17: India has made a strong pitch for "comprehensive reforms" of the UN Security Council, including expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories of the top organ of the world body.
Addressing the second meeting of the Preparatory Committee of Speakers of Parliaments organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in United Nations, Indian representative and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar underlined the need for concerted efforts to ensure a global partnership for development and the useful role that the IPU could play towards these ends.
She called for a "comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council including expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories."
Kumar also called for early revitalization of the General Assembly and welcomed the efforts of the UN for a composite entity for women's empowerment.
During the session on global economic and financial crisis and democratic accountability, she highlighted the need for reform in the Bretton Woods institutions for greater voice and participation of developing countries.
Earlier, in a lecture delivered at the Indian Consulate in UN on Parliamentary Diplomacy, Kumar noted that the IPU and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and bi-lateral exchanges between Parliaments have promoted Parliamentary diplomacy.
India is committed to resolving boundary question with China through peaceful negotiations: Meira Kumar
By Deepak Arora
GENEVA, Oct 22: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has said that India was committed to resolving the boundary question with China through peaceful negotiations and in a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable manner.
She said this while holding a bilateral meeting with Mr Zha Peixin, Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of China and leader of the Chinese Delegation to the IPU Assembly, on the sidelines of the Inter Parliamentary Union Assembly here.
Both the leaders discussed several matters of mutual interest and areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Mr P.D.T. Achary, Secretary General of the Lok Sabha and Mr Rajiv K. Chander, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations were also present at the meeting.
Mrs Meira Kumar also recalled that efforts to build trust and confidence between the militaries are proceeding satisfactorily.
Zha Pexin recalled that both sides have reiterated that pending the resolution of boundary question, peace and tranquility must be maintained in the border areas in the interest of both the countries.
Admitting that there are still areas of differences between the two countries including that of the boarder issue, Zha Peixin emphasized that there should be more bilateral exchanges at the level of Parliamentarians to facilitate the process of dialogue, peace and cooperation between the two countries.
He felt that this would be possible through more frequent exchanges of Parliamentary Delegations. He then extended an invitation to the Speaker to lead a Parliamentary Delegation to China.
While accepting the invitation, the Speaker also extended an invitation for a Chinese Parliamentary Delegation to visit India in the near future for which specific dates could be worked out through diplomatic channels.
Responding to the invitation, Zha Peixing pointed out that being the Chairman of the China-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, he would be too happy to visit the beautiful country at the earliest possible opportunity.
An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Mrs Meira Kumar is in Geneva to attend 121st Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union being held there from October 19 to 21.
During the Assembly in Geneva, the Speaker, Lok Sabha took over as the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Geo-political Group for the year 2010 from Mr Zha Peixin. The Asia-Pacific Group has 27 member countries in the region.
At the outset, Meira Kumar recalled the long tradition of cultural and historical relations between India and China. India’s strategic and cooperative partnership with China has witnessed all-round progress in recent years. The two countries have continued to maintain a healthy momentum of high level exchanges which included the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to China twice in 2008 and his meetings with Chinese President and Premier on the sidelines of international events in 2008 and 2009.
The Speaker also pointed out that in November 2006 the two countries had agreed on a 10-pronged strategy for comprehensive development and partnership. The Prime Minister of India and the Premier of China, Mr Wen Jiabao also signed a joint document on “A Shared Vision for the 21st Century between the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China” that reflects the congruence of interests that the two countries share on regional and international issues and our willingness to work together in those areas.
Zha Peixin pointed out that China and India are old civilizations with the largest population in the world and the growth and development of both the countries is vital for the advancement of Asia as a whole. He felt that both the economies are complimentary to each other. As such, China would like to see a stronger India and it would be of mutual benefit to China as its neighbour.
While pointing out that China is now India’s largest trading partner, the Speaker recalled that during the Prime Minister’s visit to China in January 2008, the two countries set a new trade target of US $ 60 billion by 2010.
She noted with satisfaction that in 2010 ‘Festival of India’ will be organized in China and ‘Festival of China’ in India to promote greater awareness of each others’ culture. The Speaker, Lok Sabha also referred to the trade deficit against India.
Zha Peixin conceded that one of the concerns of India has been the trade deficit on the Indian side. He stated that the Chinese market is open for the Indian goods and the Indian companies on their side should launch more aggressive marketing strategies to promote Indian products in China.
He pointed out that the Festivals being organized by the two countries should be made use for promoting their goods in the other country. He expressed the view that there could be many more areas of collaboration between the two countries including the area of software development, as India is much more advanced in software development as against China’s strong computer hardware base.
Winter session of Parliament from Nov 19
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Oct 21: The winter session of Parliament will commence from November 19 and end on December 22, according to P K Bansal, Minister for Parliamentary Affaris. The session in all will have 24 sittings, he added.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) chaired by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday.
At the end of the budget session this year, both the government and the opposition had favoured at least 100 sittings of Parliament in a year and the winter session to be a six-week affair.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had even felt that Parliament should sit for at least 110 days in a year.
Normally, the winter session lasts for four weeks beginning in the last week of November and ending just ahead Christmas.
Indian Parliamentary delegation takes part in IPU meet
GENEVA, Oct 21: An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Meira Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha and consisting of K. Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha, K.S. Rao, Ramdas Agarwal, and S.K. Bwiswmuthiary and P. Jaya Pradha Nahata, all Members of Parliament, P.D.T. Achary, Secretary General Lok Sabha, Dr. V.K. Agnihotri, Secretary General Rajya Sabha and S. Balshekhar, Secretary to delegation in Geneva attended the 121st Assembly of Inter Parliamentary Union being held there from October 19 to 21.
On the last day of the conference, the delegation participated in various panel discussions and effectively contributed to the deliberations.
While speaking in the panel discussion on the topic “HIV/AIDS:- Universal Access to Prevention, Treatment and Care”, S.K.Bwismuthiary, MP, observed that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is not only medical or scientific challenge but also a grave social and economic challenge, as an estimated 2 million people die each year, while 2.7 million people are newly infected each year.
The global community has shown extraordinary commitment to fight the menace in all forms and the sustained global efforts resulted in substantial decline in the number of new HIV infections in the recent past.
About 4 million people with HIV are alive today because they have access to the life saving Anti-Retroviral Treatment- The ART. The landmark 2006 UN declaration on HIV strongly advocated universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
He pointed out that the UNDAIDS has set ahead of itself an ambitious target to reduce the mother to child transmission of HIV substantially by 2015. India had long back in 1987 had launched the National Aids Control Programme under the National Aids Control Organisation. In India, an estimated 1.8 to 2.9 million people have been found to be HIV positive and the adult HIV prevalence is about 0.34 per cent.
To tackle the menace, India has launched the third phase of National Aids Control Programme known as NACP-III, which places the highest priority on preventive efforts. He urged upon the Parliamentarians to keep HIV high on the list of priorities and ensure adequate allocation of funds under their national budget and further ensure that the funds are completely utilized for the welfare of the humanity.
In another panel discussion on follow up to the IPU decisions on the Global Economic Crisis, Mrs P. Jaya Pradha Nahata, MP, representing India observed that the current financial and economic crisis has adversely affected all the countries, threatening the livelihood, well-being and development opportunities of million of peoples across the world.
In the comity of nations, policy makers and experts have expressed serious concerns about the duties of national Governments to provide economic stability and fight inflation while pursuing the path of growth and development in their economies. She recalled that IPU has adopted resolutions requesting the Governments of leading industrialized countries to assist the developing countries to fight the negative affects of this crisis on their national economies.
Referring to the steps taken by the Government of India in the financial sector to contain the negative effects of the financial crisis, she made particular reference to the measures such as reduction in cash reserve and statutory liquidity ratio for banks, improvement of forex liquidity and lifting the curb on issue of Participatory Notes etc.
She pointed out that these measures are supplemented with sector-specific credit measures for exports, housing, micro and small enterprises etc. apart from provision of extra credit support to poorer section. She also mentioned about the measures of social security initiated for the organized and unorganized workers including skill development and vocational training and revision of minimum wages.
While pointing out that Indian economy has managed to grow at respectable rate of 6.7 per cent in 2008-09 despite the severity of the global financial crisis, she observed that this performance is not only indicative of the resilience of the Indian economy but also about the effectiveness of the policy measures initiated by the Indian Government. She emphasized the need for greater global regulatory cooperation and desired that timely action has to be taken globally to tackle the adverse effects of the financial crisis.
The concluding day also had another panel discussion on Human Rights and Universal Periodic Review, where in K. Samba Siva Rao, MP, participated.
While pointing out that India attaches utmost importance to pluralism, tolerance, rights of women, children and the marginalized sections of the society, independence of judiciary, press freedom, independence of human rights institutions and the civil society groups, he observed that all the minority communities in India enjoy the fundamental right to practice and preserve their cultural and religious beliefs.
Several legislative and executive measures have been taken for the effective implementation of the constitutional safeguards in favour of the minorities. Clear and elaborate legal and administrative provisions exist in India to address any type of discrimination. The Parliament and the Government in India stand committed to promote inclusive growth that benefits each and every segment of the population.
To empower women, one-third of all the seats in the urban and rural self government bodies have been reserved and over one million women participate in the political decision-making process at the grass root level and the Government further are considering a legislation for reserving one-third of the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha and in the State Legislative Assemblies.
He made a mention about the exemplary record of functioning by the National Human Rights Commission and 18 State Human Rights Commission in the country. Regarding the international commitment of India to the cause of Human Rights, he informed that India is a signatory to 6 core Human Rights Governance and it is fully committed to the rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration. He was happy to find that India’s efforts and initiatives in guaranteeing human rights have been viewed as examples of best practice in the Universal Periodic Review held last year.
He hoped that the Human Rights Council will emerge as a strong effective and efficient body capable of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedom for all in a transparent, cooperative and non-selective manner.
Meira Kumar to chair Asia-Pacific Geo-political group of IPU
GENEVA, Oct 18: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will Chair the Asia-Pacific Geo-Political Group of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) for the year 2010. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Geo-Political Group of the IPU held in Geneva on Sunday.
Earlier, China was holding the Chair of the Group. Kumar is in Geneva to attend 121st Assembly of IPU to be held from 19th to 21st October.
She is heading a delegation of Indian Parliamentarians which include Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Rehman Khan, and MPs Ramdas Agrawal, K S Rao, S K Bwiswmuthiary and P Jaya Pradha Nahata.
Accepting the Chair, Kumar said the Geo-Political Groups are very important formations in the IPU, "which have common concerns on the basic issues of democracy and peace".
She underlined that India believes in peace and harmony in the world and "in coming year, her efforts will be to apply this basic approach to all issues which will come up before the Asia-Pacific Group".
The Asia-Pacific Geo-Political Group consists of 27 member countries from Asia and the Pacific.
Earlier during the meeting, the Asia-Pacific Group finalised its stand on various issues common to the region.
The issues included vacancies to be filled up in the Executive Committee of the IPU from the Asia-Pacific Group and the subject to be discussed as an emergency item on the IPU Assembly Agenda is on Global Food Crisis.
Indian democracy has come of age: Meira Kumar
PATNA, Sept 25: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Friday referred to the need for sustained struggle for woman’s empowerment, but fell short of denouncing the feminist line that stands for antagonistic relation with man when it comes to seeking restoration of woman’s power.
Ms Kumar, in fact, said that women have been still struggling the world over for their rights in society. “We gave to our society women’s suffrage from very beginning, but in other countries they had to struggle and fight for it,” Kumar said, adding: “Even men have struggled for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Acceptability of women has increased.”
She said Indian democracy has, in fact, matured and has also “come of age”, as the people, including women, no longer appeared to be afflicted with the problem of “acceptability” in any walk of life, even politics.
“Indian democracy has come of age. Its proof is that even a woman has been selected to hold the august post of Lok Sabha Speaker,” said Kumar, who was in Patna on the day to participate in a felicitation programme on the premises of state assembly hosted and organised in her honour by its Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary.
Referring to Pratibha Patil holding the post of the country’s President and Sonia Gandhi emerging as a national persona in her own right, she said that woman’s “acceptability” had become a reality in society. “The capacity of the country’s people to accept things had also become real,” she said, adding: “It is also true that the condition of the country’s every woman has not improved. A lot is still required to be done.”
Representatives of most of the political parties were present at the felicitation programme. They referred to her typical style of functioning that was marked by unfailing smile, softness and conciliatory, but strict.
In view of her recent experiences, she had at a meeting of the leaders of G-8 and G-5 countries, she said the stock of the country has improved due to smooth functioning of its large democracy, and also due to its capacity to overcome economic downturn. “They look at us with a feeling of awe,” she said, and added: “They talk about climate change. I reminded them of their high carbon emissions.”
Kumar, who had arrived flying in economy class, said it is “voluntary”. She also wondered at the “Bihar dichotomy” — that they perform well outside, but get bogged down within the state.
Biharis are hardworking and straight-forward: Meira
PATNA, Sept 25: With her old bonds with Bihar, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today said the people of the state were "hardworking and laborious".
"Biharis are hardworking, straight forward and committed to their work. The commitment and devotion to work is evident from their outstanding contributions to New Delhi, Gujarat, Leh, Maurititus, Fiji, Trinidad, Tobago and Surinam," Kumar said while addressing a function organised to felicitate her for becoming the Lok Sabha speaker.
Getting nostalgic, Kumar described herself as "daughter of Bihar" and recalled her days in the state where her father Jagjivan Ram was born.
"I understand the pain of people here and work for their uplift," she said.
Expressing concern over the problems relating to floods and drought that recurred in Bihar every year, she said "It was a result of global warming and excessive emission of carbon dioxide".
Meira launches India's first distance learning course in Bhojpuri
NEW DELHI, Sept 23 : Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Wednesday launched the country's first distance learning foundation course in Bhojpuri language, offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
Proposer and Coordinator of the course Prof Shatrughan Kumar said here, ''Bhojpuri was being taught till now only up to intermediate level in the schools of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
It is also being taught in some universities like the Chhapra University but the format of the course is very different.
IGNOU's foundation course in Bhojpuri language is the first to teach it through distance learning.'' The course has been launched under IGNOU's School of Humanities and will be taught as a part of the School's Bachelor programmes.
It is available to students from July 2009 session onwards.
IGNOU will also launch certificate and diploma courses in Bhojpuri, process for which had already begun.
The genesis of the foundation course came from Prof Kumar, who during the last two years, single-handedly interacted with the Bhojpuri Academy, followed by a series of IGNOU's expert committee meetings held over two years, IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof V N Rajsekharan Pillai said.
He also revealed that a proposal was under consideration to develop Bhojpuri language and literature in the university. A separate school of languages would also be launched in IGNOU, he added.
IGNOU Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Omprakash Mishra said IGNOU had launched 101 new programmes in the last 14 months. By January, there were plans to launch many new programmes, taking the tally to 350 in 2010.
Speaking in Bhojpuri throughout the occasion, the Lok Sabha Speaker, who learnt the language from her grandmother and father but never studied it, said, ''Bhojpuri is not just a language, it's a lifestyle. It's not just meant for interpersonal exchange. It is also the only language where expressions like I, me, myself do not exist. What exists is us, whereby an individual surrenders to the whole.''
''Bhojpuri is also full of sweetness. Even while fighting verbally, people do not appear to be quarrelling,'' she added.
Ms Kumar regretted that the language had not developed as it should have. ''But it's not the fault of the language, it's the fault of those who speak it.''
Speaking of the reach of the language, she said Bhojpuri was not just limited to the state of Bihar, it spreaded up to Allahabad and even Madhya Pradesh. Abroad, the language was being spoken in Mauritius where Bhojpuri had been globalised as it was mixed with French verbally, she informed.
Here, she recalled how the Trinidad Prime Minister, on a visit to India, had responded to her question whether he knew what 'Sattoo' was. He had replied in Bhojpuri - ''Oh, Sattua!''
She also pointed out that wherever Bhojpuri-speaking people went, that place had prospered.
French Parliamentarian team meets Satpal Maharaj
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Sept 23: A three-member French delegation, led by the Chairman of the French Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces, Josselin de Rohan, called on the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defence, Satpal Maharaj, in Parliament House on Wednesday.
The French delegation is on a four-day visit to India for high-level interactions.
The delegation comprises of Mr. Josselin de Rohan, President of the Committee, Mr. Jean-Pierre Chevènement and Mr. Didier Boulaud, Vice-Presidents of the Committee, and will be in India till September 26.
Besides meeting Mr Satpal Maharaj, the delegation also met Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju. The team will meet the Vice President Hamid Ansari and Ministers of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur on Friday.
Indian Parliamentary team visits Austria
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Sept 17: An Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, met the Austrian President Dr Heinz Fischer, Speaker of the Austrian National Council Barbara Prammer, and other leaders during a four-day visit that began on September 14.
The delegation also met Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Dr. Michael Spindelegger.
The two sides had extensive discussions on issues of international and bilateral importance.
The Indian delegation had detailed discussions with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Austrian National Council and members of the Bilateral Parliamentary Group, Austria-India Parliament.
The delegation also visited Salzburg where they met Ms. Gudrun Mosler Tornstrom, the second President of the Salzburg Parliament.
The Speaker also attended a “Democracy Workshop”.
The Indian delegation included Anant Kumar Hegde, Rajkumari Ratna Singh, Dr. E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Usha Verma, Paramjit Kaur Gulshan and Prabhat Jha, all Members of Parliament and P.D.T. Achary, Secretary-General, Lok Sabha. U.S. Saxena, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat, was the Secretary to the Delegation.
Meira calls for international cooperation to fight drug trafficking, organized crime
By Deepak Arora
ROME, Sept 13: Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, has emphasized on importance of international cooperation to fight the menace of drug trafficking and organized crime that has assumed a global character.
Speaking at a meeting of the Speakers of the Lower Houses of G8 and G5 countries, here, Mrs Kumar highlighted the links between some organized crime syndicates and terrorism and in this context mentioned India’s experience of criminals and non-state actors being used as proxies in covert warfare by some irresponsible neighbours.
India’s Speaker is on a visit to Rome, Italy, at the invitation of the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Gianfranco Fini, to participate in the meeting of the Speakers of the Lower Houses of G8 and G5 countries and Egypt. The meeting was hosted by Italy in its capacity as the President of the G8. This is the first time that G5 are countries participating in the meeting.
In her interventions at the meeting which dealt with the theme “The contribution of Parliaments in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime”, she highlighted the measures taken by the Government of India domestically and through bilateral and multilateral means to combat this growing menace.
Mrs Kumar, in particular, emphasized the significant role played by the Indian Parliament which has enacted a number of important laws, including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act which, together, provide a sound legal framework to deal with this scourge.
In addition, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act curbs money laundering associated with drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes.
On the sidelines of the meeting, she had discussions with the Italian Speaker Fini in which they exchanged views on the development of bilateral ties, the importance of parliamentary exchanges and issues of international significance such as terrorism and climate change.
Mrs Meira Kumar extended an invitation to the Italian Speaker to visit India at an early date.
The Speaker also had useful bilateral meetings with Boris Gryzlov, President of the Russian Duma, and Bernard Accoyer, President of the French National Assembly.
During these meetings, they exchanged views on bilateral relations, parliamentary exchanges and issues of international significance.
Both the French and the Russian Speakers invited Mrs Meira Kumar to visit France and Russia, respectively.
Rs 12 million dues pending against 10 Lok Sabha MPs
NEW DELHI: Dues amounting to nearly Rs 12 million are pending against 10 sitting and former members of the Lok Sabha, a Right to Information (RTI)applicant has found out.
"There are dues outstanding from some former and existing members of Lok Sabha," the Lok Sabha Secretariat said in its reply to RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal, who had sought information on dues owed to government departments, agencies, and companies by former and sitting parliamentarians.
He had also asked about the steps taken to recover dues, including those taken after concern expressed by Delhi High Court over the issue.
In its reply, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said as per the instructions of Delhi High Court, "steps have been taken to recover outstanding dues to NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) and MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) from concerned MPs by way of deducting equitable amount from their salary."
Of the total amount, nearly Rs 8 million are pending against the late A B A Ghani Khan Choudhary. However, recovery was stopped after his death.
Congress MP from Andhra Pradesh Chinta Mohan owes a total of Rs 1.27 million to the NDMC and MTNL, while Haryana Chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda owes an amount of Rs 364,237 to NDMC. However, recovery from Hooda was stopped when he ceased to be an MP and became chief minister.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren owes nearly Rs 650,000 but the recovery was stopped once he resigned from the 14th Lok Sabha. However, as per the Lok Sabha records, Soren is a sitting MP from Jharkhand in the 15th Lok Sabha.
Rasheed Masood, a former MP from Uttar Pradesh, has nearly Rs.850,00 against his name. In his case also, recovery was made until the 14th Lok Sabha was dissolved.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat also admitted that there was no provision under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 to stop payment of salary or pensions of sitting or former parliamentarians defaulting such government dues.
"The rules should be amended to provide deduction of such dues owed by former parliamentarians from the pensions they receive. Till dues of all government agencies are cleared, no politician should be allowed to fight any elections and they should not be given any constitutional posts," Agrawal said.
Timor-Leste Parliamentary delegation calls on LS Speaker
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Mr. Osorio Florindo, President of the Committee on Poverty reduction, Rural and Regional development and Gender Equality of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, called on the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs Meira Kumar in Parliament House on Wednesday.
He was leading a Parliamentary delegation from his country.
The Timor-Leste took keen interest in India's Parliamentary democracy. The two sides also discussed issues of mutual concern.
Uruguay Ambassador calls on LS Speaker
NEW DELHI, Sept 8:
The Ambassador of Uruguay, Mr. Cesar Ferrer, called on the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs Meira Kumar, in Parliament House on Tuesday.
The two discussed issues of national and international importance.
Assam Speaker calls on Meira Kumar
NEW DELHI, Sept 8:
The Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Mr Tanka Bahadur Rai, called on the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs Meira Kumar, in Parliament House on Tuesday.
The two discussed issues of mutual concern.
Lok Sabha Secretary-General P.D.T. Achary’s term extended for one year
NEW DELHI, Sept 4: The term of Mr P.D.T. Achary, Secretary-General, Lok Sabha, has been extended by the Speaker for a further period of one year with effect from October 1, 2009.
The extension of term has been done in consideration of the fact that the Speaker and the House require the services of an experienced and competent Secretary-General and that Mr Achary, who has made a mark by long years of service in the service of Parliament, should continue in the position.
Mr P.D.T. Achary has spent over 39 years in Parliament. During the past 4 years of his tenure as Secretary-General, he has ably assisted the Speakers in the conduct of the House.
Mr Achary has sound knowledge of the Constitution and the Rules of the House. Shri Achary has written three books, viz. “The Law of Elections”; “Office of Profit”; and “The Speaker Rules”.
Meira confers Saraswati Samman awards
NEW DELHI, Sept 4: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar gave away the Saraswati Samman Awards here a function on Friday.
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The awards were instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991.
Mrs Kumar presented the award for promotion of Indian literature for the year 2008 to Dr. Laxminandan Bora and Vyas Samman Award for the year 2008 to Mrs Mannu Bhandari.
Parliamentarians pay floral tributes to Dadabhai Naoroji
NEW DELHI, Sept 4: September 2009: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar led the nation in paying floral tributes at the portrait of Dababhai Naoroji in the Central Hall of Parliament House on his Birth Anniversary, on Friday.
Among the dignitaries who paid floral tributes to Dadabhai Naoroji were Union Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal, Members of Parliament and former Members of Parliament.
The Secretaries-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, P.D.T. Achary and Dr. V.K. Agnihotri, respectively, also paid floral tributes.
A booklet containing the profile of Dadabhai Naoroji, brought out in Hindi and English by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, was also presented to the dignitaries who attended the function.
The portrait of Dadabhai Naoroji was unveiled by the then Speaker of Lok Sabha, G.V. Mavalankar, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on 13 March 1954.
Meira addresses IRS probationers
NEW DELHI, Aug 31: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar addressed the probationers of Indian Revenue Service and Indian Railway Stores Service at the Parliament House on Monday.
The Appreciation Course in Parliamentary Processes and Procedures for the Probationers of Indian Revenue Service and Indian Railway Stores Service has been organised by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training in Parliament Library Building.
Also present on the occasion were Honorary Advisor, BPST, Mani Shankar Aiyar and Lok Sabha Secretary-General P.D.T. Achary.
Meira releases 'New Delhi: Making of a Capital'
NEW DELHI, Aug 26: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has released the book titled “New Delhi : Making of a Capital” authored by Malvika Singh and Rudrangshu Mukherjee in Parliament House on Wednesday.
Complimenting the authors and publishers of the book on the occasion, Mrs Kumar said that the book would provide a new insight into the journey of the capital city from ancient times to the present.
The book brings together visuals, drawings, maps, letters, etc, capturing various facets of transformation of the city through the pages of history.
Meira spends time with children in Parliament
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar awarded prizes to the winners of a ‘Book Review Competion for children organised by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on the occasion of the second anniversary of Children’s Corner of Parliament Library, on Friday.
Addressing the children, Mrs Meira Kumar said that the Indian Democracy is the largest in the world and is based on the concept of equality with every citizen having only one vote. The children, who are the asset of the nation, should learn about our democratic ethos.
The Speaker also spoke about the two year journey of the Children’s Corner.
This was the first time that a Book Review Competition was organised where the children were given a lecture on writing a book reivew.
Thereafter, the children were given different books and review them in an on-the-spot competition.
The Book Review Competition was organised in association with the National Book Trust. About 80 children of various NGOs/Schools and members of the Children’s Corner in the age group of 8 to 17 participated in the Competition.
Mr P.D.T. Acharya, Secretary-General, Lok Sabha and Mr N.K. Sapra, Additional Secretary also greaced the occasion while Shri Manas Ranjan Mahaparta, Editor, National Book Trust and his associates conducted the Book Review Competiton.
Set up on August 21, 2007 as a part of Parliament Library, the Children’s Corner aims at inculcating reading habits among children, particularly of marginalized section of society who do not have access to good and resourceful libraries.
Parliamentarians pay tributes to Rajiv Gandhi
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Aug 20: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh; Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi led the nation in paying floral tributes at the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi in the Central Hall of Parliament House on his birth anniversary on Thursday.
Among others who paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi were Union Ministers; Members of Parliament; former Members of Parliament; and P.D.T. Achary and V.K. Agnihotri, Secretaries-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively.
The portrait of Shri Rajiv Gandhi was unveiled by the then President of India, Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on August 20, 1993.
At another function, President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leaders paid homage to the former Prime Minister, joining his widow and Congress president Sonia, their son Rahul, daughter Priyanka and son-in-law Robert Vadra at Rajiv Gandhi's memorial Veer Bhumi in New Delhi.
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, by an LTTE suicide bomber during a public meeting at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.
The eldest son of Feroze and Indira Gandhi, he was born in 1944 and served as the youngest Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. Rajiv attended Cambridge University, where he met and married Sonia at 24. Following the death of his brother Sanjay in 1980, his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, persuaded Rajiv to enter politics.
He stood successfully for election in 1981 and became a political adviser to his mother. After her assassination in 1984, Rajiv succeeded her as the head of the Congress, and was sworn in as Prime Minister of India.
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